Sarai Kale Khan set for a makeover

After the inter-state bus terminal (ISBT) at Kashmere Gate, it is the turn of the one at Sarai Kale Khan to get complete makeover.

After the inter-state bus terminal (ISBT) at Kashmere Gate, it is the turn of the one at Sarai Kale Khan to get complete makeover.

According to Delhi Integrated Multi Modal Transit System (DIMTS) officials - the agency that has been tasked to redevelop the three ISBTs - the Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC) has given its consent to the layout plan of the new bus terminal.

Once the MCD and the art commission approve the plan, tenders will be called to appoint the construction agency, officials said. The project is likely to take about 22 months.

More than 800 buses bound for UP, Haryana and Rajasthan originate or terminate at Sarai Kale Khan, which caters to almost 50,000 travellers daily.

"There will be commercial areas, a shopping arcade and a food court. The building will be disabled friendly, reuse energy, water and other resources, reduce wastage, increase productivity and protect the environment," a DIMTS official said.

The bus terminal will be developed as an integrated multi-modal transit centre, which will integrate the city bus service, metro and railway station. The new building will have separate parking facilities for buses, cars, auto-rickshaws and taxis in the basement as well as separate entrances and exits.

With Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station nearby and a metro station proposed in phase 3 (Mukundpur - Yamuna Vihar line), officials said a well planned network of foot-over bridges with travelators, escalators and elevators will allow easy and safe movement of pedestrians.

Though the transport department had estimated the project to cost Rs 190 crore two years ago, official said it has escalated to Rs 225 crore.